Gary Papp, The Essential Chef

Today I begin a new feature in my blog, highlighting local folks and events that are unique to this area where I live...southern Delaware.

Today my feature is Gary Papp, The Essential Chef.   I met Gary at the hotel where I work in Lewes.  He and his wife Lorraine frequently cater events that we have at the hotel.  I especially remember Gary because he is one of those rare breed of folk who is friendly to everybody.  The first time I saw him he greeted me by name ("Hi Ron, how are you?")  I didn't know who he was.  He answered my quizzical look by saying to me "I'm Garry Papp and I am providing the food for tonight's event."  Of course I was immediately impressed not only because he addressed me by name (he must have seen my name tag) but also that he took time to even acknowledge me, a lowly front desk clerk.  I don't know how many of you have worked hotel front desks but for those of you who have, will understand me when I say this is very unusual.  We're not usually treated with such kindness and respect by caterers.

Gary and his wife Lorraine have catered many subsequent events at the hotel and they always treat me with this kindness.  In fact, one time Lorraine even made me a dish of the sampling of some of the food they had made for one event because she noticed that I didn't have anything to eat.  She was right, when there is an event at the hotel, I cannot eat in the kitchen.  That was so thoughtful of her and her kindness did not go unappreciated.

Sam Calagione and Gov. Markel - Nick Roth photo from Cape Gazette

Yesterday in the Cape Gazette I saw their picture in the paper along with Sam Calagione, the founder of Dogfish Brewery.  Sam is another kind person who frequents the hotel where I work.  He has visitors to his plant from around the world who stay at the hotel where I work.  When Sam comes into visit them he always greets me with a warm and genuine smile.  He is another one of these "important" people who is kind to this lowly front desk clerk.  In fact the last time he was there he gave me a Dogfish hat.  He must have known I LOVE hats.

Well, I have to get ready to attend our homeowner's meeting.

The Sun is Out!

Glory be, the sun is out!  Just as I had hoped for, after the long, dark, windy, voice, fear filled night that was Hurricane Irene passing though here; the day after is a whole new day.  I know, a long sentence but you get the idea of what I'm trying to say.

What a wonderful feeling to feel the warmth of the sun's rays after last night.  I can hear the vehicles steaming again down Route 1 to Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Ocean City, Maryland.  Now that is a sound I am glad to hear again, life getting back to normal here on the Delmarva peninsula.

In fact, I am so enthused I'm going to go outside right now and do some yard work!

Preparing for Irene

Just got a call from my neighbor Barb.  She said that Ocean City, MD turned off their water treatment plant.  You know what that means, fill up the bathtubs!  I don't want to be stuck not being able to flush the toilet.

The rain has been coming down for about five hours now.  I just got up from my afternoon nap (a very nice nap by the way with the rain falling outside).  We're expecting the full brunt of Irene in about eight hour or 2 a.m. this morning.  I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight as well as I did this afternoon.

We have a lot of water outside but I've seen worse during several nor'easters that have blown through here since we moved here in November of 2006.  The wind is buffeting the side of the house now.  If I told you I wasn't afraid I would be lying.  This is NO FUN, believe me.  Thank God I haven't heard anything more about a tornado for our area.